Meet the Dream Team at The Kore. Bringing you only the best in certified, qualified, and fun instructors! We believe quality dance education can also be fun; as such we are always training and upgrading our teachers with new techniques. We have a heavy focus on different learning styles so every student has an equal opportunity to learn in their own unique way!
MICHELLE KORICINA
Owner / Studio Director / Instructor
BBA Hons, Registered Acro Dance Teachers Association
(ADTA) Instructor, ADAPT, TADA, Alixa Flexibility,
Aerial Arts (Aerial Hoop)
Michelle takes pride in leading The Kore Dance Project as its owner/director. Her dance journey began in South Western Ontario, where she grew up competing in Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop, with a heavy focus on Acrobatics. Seeking further growth, she moved to Toronto where she was accepted into the Commercial Dance Program at George Brown College which specialized in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and musical theatre.
In 2014, Michelle found her way to Kelowna, where she not only completed her Bachelor's degree in Accounting at Okanagan College but also discovered a love for the city that has kept her rooted ever since.
As a certified instructor with credentials from The Acro Dance Teachers Association, ADAPT, Alixa Flexibility, and Aerial Arts, Michelle brings extra attention to proper technique and safe practices to all of her classes. Michelle is also the Owner of MVMNT Brand Rhinestones, Co-Owner of The Movement Boutique, and brings over 15 years of teaching experience and award-winning choreography to the table.
Michelle's impact extends beyond the studio, having trained students who went on to professional careers and training institutions like Ecole Nationale de Cirque. Her passion for acrobatics and circus arts is evident in her unique acro dance choreography, where she consistently pushes the limits and creates captivating performances. Michelle's commitment to excellence and innovation shows in the detail that goes into every performance put on by The Kore.
SAMARA TOCHER
Instructor
BKin(ATTH), CAT(c), PBT, Registered Acro Dance Teachers Association (ADTA) Instructor, ADAPT
Samara began dancing at the age of three in Hinton, Alberta and grew up in the competitive dance world. At the age of 15, her family relocated to Edmonton, Alberta where she enrolled at the Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts. Here she auditioned and was accepted into the Dance IB Program where she learned about world dance, choreography, and composition, as well as being part of the contemporary program and the invitational Dance Team. In 2005, her family relocated once again to Golden, BC and along with her mother and sister opened a competitive dance studio, Impulse Dance. The school ran successfully for seven years and Samara collected many group awards for her routines as well as multiple choreography awards.
During this time, she also began her post-secondary education at the University of Calgary. In 2011 she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a Major in Athletic Therapy. She now practices as a Certified Athletic Therapist [CAT(C)], specializing in dancers, acrobats and performing artists as well as other athletes. Samara uses her degree and knowledge in her teaching as well and has learned how to strengthen and condition dancers to decrease injuries and prevent long term strain on the body while teaching essential dance techniques in all disciplines.
Recently, Sam has opened her own Athletic Therapy Clinic – En Avant Performance & Sports Therapy. The clinic conveniently operates right inside The Kore Dance Project, and all members of The Kore will receive a discount for any assessments or treatments needed!
Samara began dancing at the age of three in Hinton, Alberta and grew up in the competitive dance world. At the age of 15, her family relocated to Edmonton, Alberta where she enrolled at the Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts. Here she auditioned and was accepted into the Dance IB Program where she learned about world dance, choreography, and composition, as well as being part of the contemporary program and the invitational Dance Team. In 2005, her family relocated once again to Golden, BC and along with her mother and sister opened a competitive dance studio, Impulse Dance. The school ran successfully for seven years and Samara collected many group awards for her routines as well as multiple choreography awards.
During this time, she also began her post-secondary education at the University of Calgary. In 2011 she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a Major in Athletic Therapy. She now practices as a Certified Athletic Therapist [CAT(C)], specializing in dancers, acrobats and performing artists as well as other athletes. Samara uses her degree and knowledge in her teaching as well and has learned how to strengthen and condition dancers to decrease injuries and prevent long term strain on the body while teaching essential dance techniques in all disciplines.
Recently, Sam has opened her own Athletic Therapy Clinic – En Avant Performance & Sports Therapy. The clinic conveniently operates right inside The Kore Dance Project, and all members of The Kore will receive a discount for any assessments or treatments needed!
ROCHELLE HOOPS
Instructor
BMgmt, PBT, Certified and Qualified Aerial Arts Teacher for Aerial Hoop and Aerial Silks
Rochelle has been passionate about dance and performing her entire life. She started out as a competitive gymnast for many years before starting Acro sport and later moving full time into the dance world with a high performance competitive group.
Rochelle started teaching dance while attending university. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with honours with a Bachelor of Management. Rochelle is also a Certified and Qualified Aerial Arts Teacher for Aerial Hoop and Aerial Silks as well as Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).
Rochelle is excited to share her passion for dance with the students of The Kore Dance Project.
KAILEY FISHER
Office Manager
Coming Soon...
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ANITA OTT
Payroll/ Office Admin
Anita’s passion for sports is evident as her vision to provide the community with quality programming in an exciting, dynamic, healthy and positive environment is a priority.
She has coached gymnastics since 2001 and is Certified Level 2 in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, Level 1 Trampoline and Activestart (preschool) through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). She was the Preschool and Recreational Program Coordinator for many years prior to taking on a manager’s position for 12 years at a local gymnastics centre.
In her spare time, Anita enjoys being active by swimming, biking, and hiking. Spending time with her family is important, and she loves to travel and explore the world!
Zoey Lopez
Competitive Coordinator
Coming soon...
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KIERA BRAUN
Instructor
As a child, Kiera quickly fell in love with circus aerials. She began training as an aerialist in Calgary when she was 10 years old. At 15 years old she started coaching and performing. Kiera specializes in Dance Trapeze and has experience coaching and performing in four primary aerial disciplines: Aerial silks, Aerial hammock, Aerial Lyra, and Dance Trapeze. She also has experience choreographing aerial routines and participated in choreographing multiple productions at a circus arts studio in Calgary.
Kiera recently moved to Kelowna to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology at UBCO. She is passionate about coaching circus arts and hopes to share her love for circus aerials with the students at Kore.
CODI DALEN
Instructor
RAD, AAC, Rambert Grades Contemporary Certified Teacher, Alixa Flexibility
Codi Dalen is a Registered Teacher (RTS) with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Acrobatic Arts (AAC), Rambert Grades Contemporary Certified Teacher and Alixa Flexibility Level 1 Certified.
Her experiences as the Founder and Director of Soul Funktion Dance Studio in Whistler, BC, and also, in her search to help her students connect to that confident and innocently pure centre of expression within, she was guided to the Bartenieff/Laban principles. These principles offer a guide through the physical deeply into the connections with the mind and spirit. She’s had the opportunity to study this material with Mariah-Jane Thies, Vancouver, BC; Bill Evans, Brockport State University, NY; and Peggy Hackney and Janice Meadon, University of California, Berkeley, CA. During the last two and a half decades of teaching dance, with an extensive background in Ballet, Tap and other commercial disciplines, Codi has come to believe the following “FUNdamentals;”- An essential way we learn is through the body,- Emotional involvement is required to learn, - Engaging a student in an exploratory learning process is an invaluable skill for a teacher. Thus motivating one's emotions, and therefore a consequent desire to learn, - Everyone has a right to feel comfortable in their body and be able to express feelings through movement in a safe environment, - And lastly, children come from a place of knowing spirit and come from a place of joy.
Codi’s goal is to foster each individual desire to keep these qualities open and strong in their dance and in their lives. Her movement classes are thriving as she weaves her knowledge of the Bartenieff/Laban principles into her children’s programs.
Codi Dalen is a Registered Teacher (RTS) with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Acrobatic Arts (AAC), Rambert Grades Contemporary Certified Teacher and Alixa Flexibility Level 1 Certified.
Her experiences as the Founder and Director of Soul Funktion Dance Studio in Whistler, BC, and also, in her search to help her students connect to that confident and innocently pure centre of expression within, she was guided to the Bartenieff/Laban principles. These principles offer a guide through the physical deeply into the connections with the mind and spirit. She’s had the opportunity to study this material with Mariah-Jane Thies, Vancouver, BC; Bill Evans, Brockport State University, NY; and Peggy Hackney and Janice Meadon, University of California, Berkeley, CA. During the last two and a half decades of teaching dance, with an extensive background in Ballet, Tap and other commercial disciplines, Codi has come to believe the following “FUNdamentals;”- An essential way we learn is through the body,- Emotional involvement is required to learn, - Engaging a student in an exploratory learning process is an invaluable skill for a teacher. Thus motivating one's emotions, and therefore a consequent desire to learn, - Everyone has a right to feel comfortable in their body and be able to express feelings through movement in a safe environment, - And lastly, children come from a place of knowing spirit and come from a place of joy.
Codi’s goal is to foster each individual desire to keep these qualities open and strong in their dance and in their lives. Her movement classes are thriving as she weaves her knowledge of the Bartenieff/Laban principles into her children’s programs.
ALLISON WIDDIS
Choreographer
BFA Hons. In Dance, PBT
Dance has been a passion of Allison’s from a very young age. Throughout her youth, Allison competed all throughout Canada and the US bringing home many titles and scholarships along her way. From the young age of 15, Allison began self choreographing and competing solos and being recognized for her innovative and impactful choreography. Allison went on to further her dance education at York University and earned herself a B.F.A honors in Dance degree. She studied for 4 years intensely in the styles and concepts of Ballet, Modern, Jazz, African, Choreography, Improvisation, Pedagogy, and Performance under some of Canada’s most reputable teachers such as Susan Lee, Helen Jones, Julia Sasso, and Candice Helm. All while continuing her training at York, Allison performed in many showcases throughout Toronto including Toronto Dance Bizarre, Smile for a Cause, and Arts for Healing.
After graduating from York University, Allison has gone on to teach and choreograph at many studios throughout Ontario and British Columbia and continues to be recognized for her unique and powerful choreography. Students of hers have won many scholarships and workshops and have been invited to prestigious dance education facilities throughout Canada including National Ballet of Canada, Ballet Jorgen, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, National Circus School, and Harbour Dance. Allison is certified with Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) levels 1-3 and is a member of Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Allison is incredibly grateful for her experiences in the dance industry and would love to continue to encourage young dancers to follow their goals and dreams.
MAYA HOUSSIAN
Instructor
With a passion for dance that began at the age of three, Maya started her journey in ballet and quickly developed a love for all styles of dance.
Growing up in Grande Prairie, Maya had the privilege of training in both CDTA and RAD, while attending numerous dance conventions to further expand her knowledge and technique.
As a competitive dancer, Maya gained invaluable performance experience and honed her skills, which have shaped her into the teacher she is today.
Maya is thrilled to share her love for dance and creativity with her students as an instructor at the Kore Dance Project. It’s her mission to inspire dancers to explore their full potential, express themselves, and grow in their passion for movement.
With a passion for dance that began at the age of three, Maya started her journey in ballet and quickly developed a love for all styles of dance.
Growing up in Grande Prairie, Maya had the privilege of training in both CDTA and RAD, while attending numerous dance conventions to further expand her knowledge and technique.
As a competitive dancer, Maya gained invaluable performance experience and honed her skills, which have shaped her into the teacher she is today.
Maya is thrilled to share her love for dance and creativity with her students as an instructor at the Kore Dance Project. It’s her mission to inspire dancers to explore their full potential, express themselves, and grow in their passion for movement.
BREANNA
DIEMER
Instructor
Breanna Diemer was born and raised in Kelowna. She has danced since she was five years old in all genres. Breanna’s love of dance led her to dance competitively for the last four years at The Kore Dance Project.
Breanna found a passion for the aerial arts during the COVID lockdown when she would spend hours a day practicing her passion. She is excited to share her passion for dance and aerial arts at The Kore Dance Project.
TANIA SIERAK
Instructor
Tania was born and raised in Ukraine. She moved to Canada with ten years of hip‑hop dancing, performance, and teaching experience under her belt. She founded and ran her own studio in Ukraine for five years, guiding crews from their first groove all the way to competition podiums.
Her motto: “Dance what you feel.” Expect sessions built on self‑expression, musicality, and good vibes—where respect, hard work, and community come first.
When the beat drops, Tania’s goal is simple: transfer knowledge, spark growth, and watch every student leave the studio a little freer than when they walked in.
Tania was born and raised in Ukraine. She moved to Canada with ten years of hip‑hop dancing, performance, and teaching experience under her belt. She founded and ran her own studio in Ukraine for five years, guiding crews from their first groove all the way to competition podiums.
Her motto: “Dance what you feel.” Expect sessions built on self‑expression, musicality, and good vibes—where respect, hard work, and community come first.
When the beat drops, Tania’s goal is simple: transfer knowledge, spark growth, and watch every student leave the studio a little freer than when they walked in.
Abby Harjono
Instructor
Coming Soon...
Ella Drakeford-Lewis
Instructor
Coming Soon...
Coming Soon...
TESTIMONIALS
“We love our dance family! Owner Michelle is very kind and accommodating, the teachers are friendly and knowledgeable, and the other students are fun and supportive. Highly recommend The Kore Dance Project!”
Stephanie M
“My daughter is going on her second year at The Kore and LOVES everything about it! The teachers are fantastic (talented AND kind, not something you find everywhere) As a parent I love it as well; the parents, teachers, and kids are all easy to get along with, very welcoming and drama free, everyone is happy to be there, it’s such a great dance family! Besides being a great environment it was only my daughter’s first year dancing last year and she won numerous first place medals and trophies at competitions, the instruction they receive is top notch.”
Carly V.
ADDRESS & OFFICE HOURS
100-2340 Hwy 97N
Kelowna BC V1X 4H8
Summer Office Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 2:00 - 6:00PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Hours may be affected by summer and school holidays.
Send us a Message
About
The Kore Dance Project is proud to be one of Kelowna, BC’s leading dance institutions. Since opening in 2016, we have been dedicated to inspiring, educating, and uplifting our community through high-quality dance education, passionate instructors, and creative, engaging class experiences.
We are honoured to be recognized as one of the Okanagan’s premier dance and entertainment companies.
Office Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
*Hours may be affected by summer and school holidays.
ADDRESS: 100-2340 Hwy 97N
Kelowna BC V1X 4H8
Email: info@thekoredanceproject.com
Telephone: (250) 712-2202
@ Copyright 2026 - The Kore Dance Project - All rights reserved
